Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Author: J.K. Rowling

Publisher: Scholastic 2006

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Pages: 652

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: HP

How I Got It: Own it! (in pretty hardcover no less)

This one is a reread for me. It's been awhile since I read the series. I remember reading the first couple of books out loud to the boys when they were infants. SO that's what, eight years ago? I read the last few books as they came out, but overall it's been awhile.

Instead of doing a traditional review, I thought I would just give you some of my reread thoughts. Things I noticed, things I loved, quotes I like, etc. And then I will have a mini review of movie vs. book.

Book fun:

Favorite scene:

Every one of the memories of Tom Riddle. They are so illuminating. I really wish they included them in the movie...
The opening scene between the Minister of Magic and the Prime Minister. It's a great opening sequence showing the interaction between the magical and muggle world. Another thing I really wish they would have put in the movie.

Favorite character(s):

Narcissa Black Malfoy -- Even though she's only in it for one actual scene, I love her. I especially love the contrast between her and her sister Bellatrix.
Ron and Hermione -- Their whole will-they or won't-they is fascinating. I just adore them. And I especially love the scene in the hospital.

Other odds and ends:

I forgot how angry Harry is in this movie... Teenage angst is a bit much.
There's a whole passage on pages 180-181 comparing Harry and Snape. As much as Harry doesn't want to admit it, they are very similar.
Slughorn is a great side character.

Favorite quotes:

No one really sticks out to me.

Movie fun

My favorite scenes:

Ron and Hermione's fight with the birds -- I love the emotional vulnerability in this scene. It just works.
Slughorn Christmas Party -- Between Hermione avoiding Cormac and Harry wanting Ginny, this is a great scene of teenage hormones. Plus it just looks pretty.

Things I wished to see, but didn't:

The book's opening sequence. Unfortunately they change to one (Harry in the tube station) that doesn't really make a lot of sense. However I did love the destruction of the bridge and Diagon Alley. It's mentioned in the book, but to see the raw power from the Death Eaters is just terrifying.
Harry and Ginny's kiss in front of the entire Gryffindor common room. The small kiss in the room of requirement just doesn't really work.

Other odds and ends:

In the books, I love Ginny Weasley. She's a great mix of Fred and George and Mrs. Weasley. I understand why Harry likes her. Yet, in the movies, she's more of a wet blanket. The movies rob her of all the interesting aspects of her personalty. Very sad change of character from books to movies...
I loved loved loved watching Draco's transformation from arrogant elitist to broken little boy. It makes his realization of what's right and wrong that much better. Tom Felton really gave him a haunted look in most of the scenes.
Attack on the Burrow -- WHY!?!?! It's just completely wrong...

Harry Potter: